BETHLEHEM, Pa. — WLVR’s Brad Klein spoke with Pat Corpora, who coordinates the volunteer gardeners at the historic Burnside Plantation in Bethlehem. He spoke with Corpora just days before the garden’s monthly ‘You Point, We Pick’ event where the efforts of about 40 volunteer gardeners are made available to the public, in the form of fresh produce, herbs and flowers.
- You Point, We Pick runs the first Saturday of June, July, August, September and October
- Bethlehem resident Pat Corpora coordinates the efforts of about 40 volunteers at the historic garden, a part of the colonial era Burnside Plantation, run by Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites
- Among the early produce available June 3rd: eleven varieties of lettuce, chard, kale, and garlic scapes
Pat Corpora has the lean build of the avid road cyclist that he is. And the sun-tanned face of a dedicated gardener, even at this early point in the season. Taking a break from watering and weeding with a group of about a dozen volunteers, he said that it’s been a mild spring. And a dry one.
“The entire garden is planted, and all we need is some rain,” said Corpora looking out over the garden recently.
In fact, the driest May in more than 50 years has taken a severe toll on this year's strawberry crop. But Corpora said that there is plenty of early produce to share with an area food bank, a produce pantry, and with visitors at Saturday’s event. He says the produce available changes each months with leafy greens, the best feature of June. Later months will see a variety of beans, tomatoes, an potatoes maturing as the growing season progresses.
Burnside Plantation is at 1461 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18018. You Point, We Pick runs the first Saturday of June, July, August, September and October. 9:30 - noon. Visitors are asked to bring their own bag or basket and contribute what they wish toward upkeep of the garden, in return for produce, herbs, and flowers freshly-picked from the garden.
